Now, Waymo has placed another order for thousands of modified, self-driving Pacifica Hybrids. For now, the company is offering free test rides in Arizona and plans to launch a ride-sharing service sometime in 2018. There are also plans to expand the number of cities in which such test rides and eventual ride-sharing services are offered.

The final number of autonomous Pacifica Hybrids ordered will depend on the latter. Waymo is not giving a definitive number at this time but has said that orders may continue to grow, however, it has announced that an order has already been finalized for at least “thousands.”

Waymo CEO John Krafcik told CNBC:

“With the world’s first fleet of fully self-driving vehicles on the road, we’ve moved from research and development to operations and deployment.”

Fiat Chrysler isn’t starting its own ride-sharing, autonomous, or future mobility subsidiaries, so at this point, Waymo is its only gateway into the growing markets. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne shared:

“In order to move quickly and efficiently in autonomy, it is essential to partner with like-minded technology leaders.”

It’s important to note that while FCA is manufacturing these modified Pacifica Hybrids for Waymo, they are not available for purchase by the general public or any other businesses at this time.

Fascinating news. Thanks for sharing. It will be amazing to see if these can really deliver autonomous mobility, and how the government will regulate.

The Hybrid Pacifica is a great platform for this use, with it’s fantastic space, solid electric/hybrid credentials and affordability. Only problem is their reliability, which is enough to keep me from personally considering one.

The Pacifica is a great people-mover. A PHEV is a good intermediate solution for an AV, but as GM said, the future is AV and long-term path to AV is all-electric, which is why they are so aggressive about developing their next generation of EVs.

Wireless charging at an AV business parking stations while their rigs await dispatch ensures that no human ever has to provide an AV regular attendance to refuel, nor does the AV business owner have to install an expensive-to-own-and-operate gas refueling station in the middle of a dense urban environment. Any parking garage with power will do.

Waymo/FCA may be a little ahead with their AV tech now, but GM is ahead with the optimal urban AV vehicle.